NITN | @notintownlive | 25 Mar 2020, 10:11 am
Moscow/Sputnik/UNI: WestJet, Canada’s second-largest air carrier, has said that nearly 7,000 of its employees will have to leave the company due to the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the airline industry.
"Today, 6,900 WestJetters are receiving notices of both voluntary and involuntary leaves due to the impact of COVID-19. This is devastating news. We commend those who are standing down so that our airline can stand up," the company wrote on Twitter late on Tuesday.
It comes after Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, said last week that it was laying off 5,000 employees due to a cut in flights. It noted that the layoffs would be temporary, with employees being moved to "off duty" status in the company.
As the coronavirus spreads across borders, governments introduce entry bans and travel restrictions in a bid to contain the outbreak. According to the most recent statistics compiled by Johns Hopkins University, over 428,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 19,000 fatalities have been confirmed globally to date.
(Image: Pixabay)
- Italy air traffic control strike: What travellers need to know
- Air India, Adani Airports join hands: All details about pre-order duty-free shopping from your phone
- Lufthansa’s Oktoberfest 2026 look is here — Check out the new crew style
- Flying American Airlines? New seasonal lounge menu brings fresh changes
- Air France to move all JFK Flights to New Terminal One, unveils plans for a new 2,700-sq-m lounge
- Air India launches ‘Vista’ with AI-powered, streaming-style entertainment for seatback screens
- Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail explore integrated air-rail travel across UAE
- IndiGo Expands Vietnam Connectivity with New Mumbai-Hanoi Route
- Your next Emirates flight could feel more private thanks to this new seat
- India-Bhutan Air Connectivity Gets a Boost with Air India-Drukair Partnership
Travellers flying to or within Italy on Wednesday, September 30 could face disruption as air traffic controllers are set to go on strike for four hours.
Tata Group-owned Air India and Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the country’s largest private airport operator, on Monday announced the launch of an integrated online duty-free shopping platform for international travellers.
For Oktoberfest 2026, Lufthansa's traditional costume crews will take to the skies in a new look, the airline has announced.